10 Underrated Sedans From the 2000s With Great Longevity
Not every great car from the 2000s got the attention it deserved. These 10 sedans combine durability, comfort, and low maintenance, making them excellent long-term drivers even today. If you’re hunting for a dependable ride that won’t break the bank, these overlooked 2000s models are worth checking out.
Toyota Avalon
Man, the second gen Avalon from 2000 to 2004, this thing’s like the comfy grandpa of sedans, huge V6 pushing 210 horses smooth as butter, room for six adults no sweat, leather that lasts forever. Why good? Toyota bulletproof, 25 mpg highway easy, quiet cruiser for road trips. Random, mine had cupholders everywhere, genius. Compared to Camry it’s plusher, less boring. Snag one for 4 to 8 grand now, honestly steals at that price for 200k mile examples still purring.
Honda Accord
Okay, the 7th gen Accord 2003 to 2007, uhm, V6 versions especially with that 3.0 liter 240 hp growl, but even the four-cylinders sip gas forever. Features like side airbags early, comfy seats, trunk swallows the world. Good cause timing belt swaps and you’re golden to 400k. Side thought, rust sucks in snow states but bodies strong. Better than Civic for space, grabs 5 to 10k used, total no-brainer daily.
Lexus ES 300
Lexus ES 300 mid-2000s, Toyota Camry twin but hushed luxury, 3.0 V6 silky, wood trim, soft ride that eats potholes. Why reliable? Same guts as Avalon but fancier, AC ice cold always. Observations? Beamer owners jealous of maintenance costs. Like a poor man’s LS400. Clean ones 6 to 12 grand, feels premium without the bills.
Volvo S60
The first gen S60 2001 to 2009, turbo five-cylinder wagons too but sedan focus, safety king with side curtains standard, boxy but planted handling. Good for 300k with oil changes, comfy long hauls. Joke, seats hug like therapy. Vs German rivals, cheaper forever. Around 4 to 9k now, underrated Swede.
Acura TL
Acura TL 2004 to 2008, Type-S with 3.2 V6 270 hp snarls fun, SH-AWD later grips everywhere, nav screen huge for era. Why good? Honda reliable plus sport, leather holds up. Random, helicopter noise exhaust hilarious. Better than base Legend, 7 to 14 grand used, luxury sport steal.
Infiniti G35
Infiniti G35 2003 to 2006, Nissan Skyline roots, 3.5 V6 280 hp revs forever, RWD balance, tight chassis. Features sport seats, Bose audio bangs. Reliable if timing chain serviced, drifts easy. Like a poor 350Z sedan. 6 to 12k now, JDM sleeper.
Buick Lucerne
Buick Lucerne 2006 to 2011, underrated land yacht, 3.9 or 4.6 V8 Northstar smooth, quietest cabin ever, Magnetic Ride smooths bumps. Good cause GM truck tough in sedan clothes, 250k miles common. Vs LaCrosse plusher. 3 to 7 grand, grandma special that’s tank-like.
Mercury Milan
Mercury Milan 2006 to 2011, Ford Fusion twin but nicer, 2.3 four or V6 221 hp, Premier leather, Euro looks. Reliable Fusion bones, cheap parts. Observations? Underdog styling won me over. Like Fusion but badge prestige. 2 to 6k, budget rocket.
Saturn Aura
Saturn Aura 2007 to 2009, Malibu twin with Opel flair, 3.6 V6 Red Line 252 hp quick, Euro suspension taut. Why good? Quiet, 30 mpg possible, holds value odd. Joke, plastic panels dent-proof. Vs Malibu sharper. 4 to 8 grand, forgotten gem.
Lincoln LS
Lincoln LS 2000 to 2006, rear-drive luxury, 3.9 V8 280 hp or V6, LSD standard, wood dash class. Reliable Thunderbird platform, smooth forever. Random, leather creaks nice. Like LS430 but American. 5 to 10k now, slept-on thunder.
